Committee rejects narrow amendment to allow grub-control pesticide broadcast applications; item may still go before full council

The Portland Sustainability and Transportation Committee reviewed a proposed amendment to Chapter 34 (land use / pesticide provisions) that would have authorized a specific grub‑control broadcast application for athletic fields and modified the ordinance’s waiver language. After public comment and committee discussion, the committee vote to move the amendment to the full council failed in committee.

Staff said the amendment was drafted in response to a waiver request from Cheverus High School, which reported extensive turf damage from grubs and predator activity that has rendered about 20% of the playing surface unsafe for competition. Troy Moon, sustainability staff, told the committee the school had tried organic controls without success and that the proposed product is an EPA‑classified “reduced risk” option. Moon said the…